Cruise in France on the canals and rivers of Southern Burgundy aboard the Ultra-Deluxe Hotel-Barge AMARYLLIS
SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 8-passenger Amaryllis is one of the most luxurious barges afloat whose interior displays an uncompromising attention to detail. Each stateroom has been meticulously decorated in a traditional style with a mixture of contemporary and antique Louis XVI and XV furniture, complimented by occasional tables from Li Puma of Florence. The specially designed window casings incorporate huge windows that panoramically frame the passing countryside. The Amaryllis has four large staterooms with ensuite bathrooms, two with bathtub/shower and two with an oversized shower. Three cabins are on the lower deck; the cabin on the main deck is particularly good for those with difficulty with stairs. Also on the main deck is a formal dining room and a comfortable salon opening on to a sun deck where guests can relax on sun loungers or luxuriate in the heated swimming pool. There is a crew of 6 to attend to your every need. Nothing has been spared with respect to passenger comfort and entertainment.
Amaryllis cruises on some of the most picturesque waterways in France, including the Canal de Bourgogne, the River Rhône and the Canal du Centre, through the heart of the Burgundy wine region. Excursions are arranged to visit ancient châteaux and sample many of the famous wines of the region. Beaune, Dijon, St Jean de Losne, and Chalon sur Saone are just some of the towns and villages visited.
Features
- Size of barge: 126.3 ft by 16.6 ft
- Number of Passengers: 8
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 3
- Crew: 6
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon:Antique Louis XVI and Italian furnishings with separate dining room and picture windows. Guest computer with internet access and BOSE ipod docking station.
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Sundeck with canopy for shade, tables and chairs and 13 x 13 ft swimming pool
- Spa Tub: Swimming pool
- Cabin Features: One upper deck suite 180 sq ft, 3 lower deck suites 227-278 sq ft including marble bathroom 47-58 sq ft with double sinks and shower or bathtub. All suites with twin beds or king bed.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned 8 seater mini-bus
- Accessibility: One cabin on upper deck, three on lower deck
- Bicycles: Yes
Amaryllis's Deck Plan
Passenger Comments:
In many years of 'Luxury 5 star travel'. This is the creme de la creme - so my head and my heart say - thank you one and all for the experience of a lifetime!
-- R.M.
Am lost for words - simply 'amazing' - THANK YOU!
-- Joe & Karen C.
We loved every minute. The staff, food and tours were all exceptional!
-- name withheld
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal du Centre, Saone River:
St. Leger to Dijon
Sunday - Paris to Dijon. Moor in St. Leger-sur-Dheune
For charters with the barge's train transfers, depart Paris Gare de Lyon on the TGV train in the afternoon for Dijon, where the Amaryllis guide will meet you at your rail car. Or for charters without train transfers meet the Amaryllis guide at the one prearranged location in the Dijon area. The Amaryllis guide will escort you on your transfer to St. Leger where you board the barge for your cruise through Burgundy. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later that evening enjoy your first dining experience on board.
Monday - Cruise to Rully. Visit Chateau Marguerite de Bourgogne.
A leisurely cruise on the Canal du Centre gives you a chance to savor the beauty of the French countryside. You may disembark at a lock to cycle or walk alongside the barge. Later, your guide takes you to Chateau Marguerite de Bourgogne in Couches for a tour and wine tasting. Back on board for lunch while the boat continues its cruise downstream to Rully.
Tuesday - Cruise to Chalon-sur-Saone. Visit Chalon-sur-Saone.
Over a leisurely lunch the barge cruises the final section of the Canal du Centre before entering the last and very deep lock which takes you from the canal into the River Saone just north of Chalon-sur-Saone. The scenery changes from the close proximity of the canal banks to the expanse of this beautiful river. This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Chalon with its quaint antique shops.
Wednesday - Cruise to St Jean de Losne. Visit Beaune.
A somewhat different cruising experience today - the lovely valley of the River Saone upstream to the town of Verdun sur Doubs. Drive to Lavernois for lunch at the famous Relais & Chateaux hotel. This afternoon's excursion is to Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy. Enjoy a visit to the famous Hotel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune followed by a wine tasting. From your mooring tonight take a stroll over to the St. Jean port and see the many working and pleasure barges.
Thursday - Cruise to Longecourt. Visit Chateau de Longecourt.
Continue your cruise along the peaceful canal, today we moor overnight at Longecourt. We visit the Chateau de Longecourt, which has been owned by the same family since 1631. It is beautifully decorated and rich in history. In the stables you can still see 'graffiti' left behind by the American pilots who stayed there during World War II.
Friday - Cruise to Dijon. Visit Dijon.
Today your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon to visit the market, Ducal Palace, the Grey Poupon mustard shop and to enjoy some shopping at the market. Tonight, the barge moors in the port of Dijon where the chef is preparing a feast for your gala farewell dinner.
Saturday - Dijon to Paris.
After breakfast disembark the barge. For charters with the barge's train transfers, you will be escorted to the Dijon train station for your return train to Paris Gare de Lyon rail station, where you will be met by a barge representative who will help with your bags and getting a taxi. Or for charters without train transfers you will be transferred to the one prearranged location in the Dijon area.
Note: The day to day itinerary described is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise, the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne:
Dijon to Escommes
Sunday - Paris to Dijon.
For charters with the barge's train transfers, depart Paris Gare de Lyon, on the TGV train in the afternoon for Dijon, where the Amaryllis guide will meet you at your rail car. Or for charters without train transfers meet the Amaryllis guide at the one prearranged location in the Dijon area. The Amaryllis guide will escort you on your transfer to Dijon's Port du Canal where you board the barge for your cruise through Burgundy. A champagne reception welcomes you and gives you a chance to meet the crew. A delicious dinner is served later that evening.
Monday - Cruise to Fleurey-sur-Ouche. Visit Clos de Vougeot.
As you leave Dijon the canal turns to the southwest and follows the river Ouche where small-unspoiled villages and green, forested hills provide you with exceptional views from the deck. This afternoon's excursion is a degustation in Vougeot and a visit to Clos de Vougeot, a medieval chateau surrounded by vineyards. This is the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Cote d'Or vintages. The barge moors for the night in Fleury-sur-Ouche, a small village where you may enjoy a stroll.
Tuesday - Cruise to Gissey. Visit Dijon.
After breakfast, while the barge cruises to Gissey, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon including a visit to the Ducal Palace, the market and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon's cruise to the charming village of Gissey.
Wednesday - Cruise to La Bussiere. Visit Chateau de Commarin.
Mid-morning, you disembark the boat for a visit to l'Abbaye de la Bussiere, which was built in the 12th century under the guidance of the Cistercian monks from Citeaux. Enjoy a tour of the grounds and have lunch in the one star Michelin restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Chateau de Commarin, an interesting castle that has been occupied continuously since it was built in the 14th century.
Thursday - Cruise to Pont d'Ouche. Visit Beaune.
Enjoy a beautiful morning cruise through the rolling hills of the Ouche Valley to Pont d'Ouche. After another delicious lunch your guide escorts you to Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy. Visit the famous Hotel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune and then have the opportunity to sample some of the local wines.
Friday - Cruise to Escommes. Visit Chateauneuf-en-Auxois.
Cruise to Escommes. After lunch your guide takes you to visit Chateauneuf-en-Auxois. Both the village and the chateau have a long and interesting history. This is followed by a tour of the stunning surrounding countryside, and the opportunity to see the entrance to the two mile long canal tunnel and the largest of the reservoirs which feed the Burgundy canal. Meanwhile the chef is preparing a feast for your farewell dinner.
Saturday - Escommes. Dijon to Paris.
After breakfast disembark the barge. For charters with the barge's train transfers, you will be escorted to the Dijon train station for your return train to Paris Gare de Lyon rail station, where you will be met by a barge representative who will help with your bags and getting a taxi. Or for charters without train transfers you will be transferred to the one prearranged location in the Dijon area.
Note: This day to day itinerary described is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise, the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.
Amaryllis
2009 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Apr 5 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Apr 12 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Apr 19 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Apr 26 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Regular
|
| May 3 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| May 10 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Regular
|
| May 17 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Regular
|
| May 24 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Regular
|
| May 31 |
St Leger-Dole |
Regular
|
| Jun 7 |
Dole-Lyon |
Regular
|
| Jun 14 |
Lyon-St Leger |
Regular
|
| Jun 21 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Jun 28 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Regular
|
| Jul 5 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Jul 12 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Regular
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 19 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Jul 26 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Aug 2 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Aug 9 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Regular
|
| Aug 16 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Aug 23 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Aug 30 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Sep 6 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Regular
|
| Sep 13 |
St Leger-Dole |
Regular
|
| Sep 20 |
Dole-St Leger |
Regular
|
| Sep 27 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Oct 4 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Regular
|
| Oct 11 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Oct 18 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Regular
|
| Oct 25 |
St Leger-Dole |
Regular
|
|
*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.
AMARYLLIS
2009 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
REGULAR
Apr 5 thru Oct 31 |
|
Charter for 6 |
$46,900 |
|
Charter for 7 |
$52,300 |
|
Charter for 8 |
$57,700 |
|
Optional Train Ticket (per person round trip) |
$280 |
What's Included- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Dijon to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- All escorted side-excursion
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Train transfers from Paris to Dijon and return (available at extra cost)
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent Euros
 |
Special Places Travel, LLC
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Phone (toll-free): 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743)
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|
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Last Update: March 25, 2009
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